Big 12 basketball tournament changes this year?

(Grapevine, Texas-AP) -- The Big 12 is recommending a ten-game men's basketball tournament because of the absence of Baylor from next year's event. <br><br>The recommendation was made Wednesday

Thursday, October 2nd 2003, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Grapevine, Texas-AP) -- The Big 12 is recommending a ten-game men's basketball tournament because of the absence of Baylor from next year's event.

The recommendation was made Wednesday by Big 12 athletic directors and faculty representatives. It must still be approved by school presidents.

Big 12 commissioner Kevin Weiberg says that under the 11-team format, there would be three games the first day. The Number Five seed will draw a first-round bye, unlike under the normal 12-team tournament when only the top four are off the first day.

Baylor won't play in the tournament March 11th-thru-14th in Dallas because of self-imposed penalties.

Baylor launched an inquiry of improper payments to players following the disappearance of player Patrick Dennehy, who was later found dead.